How Vitamin D Impacts Weight Loss

Doctors stress the importance of having enough vitamin D and maintaining a healthy weight.

Dr. Jessica Cutler, a weight loss surgeon at The Maryland Bariatric Center at Mercy Medical Center, explained that vitamin D helps bodies absorb calcium, which is important for bone health and immune system function. And excess fat may work against vitamin D.

"There have been some studies showing that women who are overweight are more likely to have low levels of vitamin D. Now, we don't know if one of those things tends to cause the other, but we do know as women are able to lose weight, sometimes their vitamin D levels do seem to improve," Dr. Cutler said.

According to Dr. Cutler, vitamin D is made naturally in the body through a combination of sunlight and eating certain foods, including some fatty fishes, milk and other dairy products fortified with vitamin D.

Dr. Cutler suggested at least 15 minutes of sunlight every day.

Patients may need a supplement if their doctor checks and finds their vitamin D levels are low.

View Mercy bariatric surgeon and weight management expert Dr. Jessica Cutler's interview regarding weight loss and vitamin D.